TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
FIELDWORK MANUAL
2016-2018
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Tennessee State University
College of Health Sciences
Department of Occupational Therapy
Fieldwork Manual Policy and Procedure
Introduction to Fieldwork
“Fieldwork education is an essential bridge between academic education and authentic occupational
therapy practice” (AOTA, 2009, p.822)
It shall be the responsibility of the Occupational Therapy Department to establish, offer, and assign both
Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences consistent with standards of the Accreditation Council for
Occupational Therapy Education [ACOTE] and Tennessee State University policy.
The OT program at TSU has chosen to offer students a variety of opportunities, both traditional and
nontraditional, for completing fieldwork assignments. Fieldwork experiences are scheduled at facilities
that will provide students with exposure to various service delivery models and various groups across
the lifespan.
Student placement is based on approved site availability and student/facility compatibility. All clinical
fieldwork educators are required to guide the student to meet the general education goals and
objectives of the TSU Department of Occupational Therapy and to promote the outcomes measured by
the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
All students must demonstrate professional behavior throughout the academic program, meaning
classroom experiences and other learning opportunities, in order to be eligible to participate in
fieldwork experiences.
On the way to acquiring a professional identity, students must exhibit continuous professional
judgment, evaluation, self-reflection, and commitment to lifelong learning (AOTA, 2014)
Fieldwork Education Team (Attachment 1: Fieldwork Education Team Responsibilities)
AFWC = Academic Fieldwork Coordinator: The faculty member in the Occupational Therapy
Department who is responsible for developing and coordinating the clinical education portion of the
curriculum.
AAFWC = Assistance Academic Fieldwork Coordinator: The staff member in the Occupational Therapy
Department who is responsible for coordinating fieldwork placements, related paperwork, and
maintaining contracts
FWE = Fieldwork Educator: The facility member who is responsible for student training and student
supervision at the fieldwork site. Also called clinical instructor, clinical supervisor
The Therapist in Training, OTS =The MOT student from TSU occupational therapy program who is
responsible for developing competency as an entry-level occupational therapist
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Fieldwork Placement Process
Types and locations of sites
In order to be prepared as a generalist, it is recommended that the student “be exposed to a variety of
clients across the lifespan and to a variety of settings” (ACOTE, 2012, p. S62). The Department of
Occupational Therapy has a wide variety of affiliation agreements (contracts) with hospitals, school
systems, rehabilitation centers, mental health sites, and community-based facilities across the United
States and in some International locations. Fieldwork sites used will typically be in Middle Tennessee,
but the student must be prepared to relocate to fieldwork sites outside of commuting distance from
Nashville.
The TSU Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) and Assistant Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
(AAFWC) make fieldwork placements for Level I & Level II fieldwork in collaboration with clinical
coordinators of education and/or fieldwork educators, and TSU OT faculty. Reservation requests with
fieldwork sites that have current contracts is performed year round. Requests for placement are made
to facilities, which either accept or reject the request, due to fieldwork being a voluntary program.
Placements are based upon site availability, course requirements, and student’s area of interest when
possible.
Fieldwork Selection Criteria
Fieldwork sites are routinely monitored for the appropriateness and effectiveness of the site to meet
educational and experiential components to prepare new therapists for practice and on the ability for a
student to experience a variety of settings. This includes analysis of AOTA’s Fieldwork Performance
Evaluation of the Student (FWPE), site visits, and discussions via email or phone, provision of syllabus
and/or objectives for joint collaboration, and review and sharing of the student evaluation of fieldwork
experience (SEFWE).
Current facility information is maintained in an electronic database. The AAFWC will confirm a current
contract and the number of placements that the facility will provide for TSU students. All eligible
students may participate in the fieldwork selection process by indicating their interest in a particular
setting and location on a shared document that is updated as needed. Students are encouraged to
spread their picks over a variety of settings and not to opt for a site based on proximity to home. L.I
fieldwork is not a substitute for any part of Level II fieldwork, however, students are able to request
placement and participate in Level II at a site in which they also did a Level I rotation. Students must
avoid conflicts of interest by not requesting or accepting placements where friends or relatives work.
Fieldwork Assignment Process
The AFWC will discuss Level I & Level II fieldwork in the first year in the Fieldwork Seminar course to
explain purpose and types of experiences available. Additional information regarding specific fieldwork
sites, type of rotation, rotation dates, and confirmation of placement will be provided in the second
year. A Fieldwork Timeline is provided
The AFWC & AAFWC will do their best to match students with their preferences, however, NO
PLACEMENT IS GUARANTEED. The AFWC has the final say in placement decisions. For students who do
not have a placement choice or for sites with more than one interested student, the student will be
assigned based on: (a) assignment of site compatible to student interest and location and/or student
compatibility with the site
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(b) Assignment to provide the student with a different type of setting than they have already
experienced, and /or
(c) Tie breaker based on all faculty input on student’s overall professionalism and academic abilities
A shared document is used to track placement progress and to provide contact information to students
once the placement is finalized. The facility and the student will both receive confirmation
correspondence via email with related materials (syllabus, objectives, evaluations, etc.).
Once fieldwork sites have been assigned, students will not be allowed to cancel or change sites except
in the event of extenuating circumstances (described in subsequent section). Student refusal of a
placement may result in postponement of graduation.
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After assignment, each student is responsible for contacting their facility to inquire about any
required paperwork to be completed beforehand, dress code, hours, and other resources
Students should maintain a Fieldwork Notebook that includes copies of up-to-date
immunization record, CPR certification, liability and health insurance, and a background check
available for the site
If a fieldwork site is canceled, the AFWC will meet with the student to determine an alternate
plan. Every attempt will be made to place the student in a “like facility.” However, should there
be no “like facility” available, student placement will be made based on site availability in
another appropriate type of setting. The placement may be delayed which could result in
postponement of graduation
Potential Fieldwork Facilities Identified by Students
Students may contact facilities to inquire if the site has a student program and is accepting students.
However, students must not contact therapists directly to request or accept placements for
themselves. The AFWC/AAFWC needs to assure the site’s acceptability with TSU’s program, to assure
that the correct facility contact person is used, and to assure that a current contract is in place.
If any student has knowledge of a new facility, in-state or out-of-state, that may be appropriate for Level
I and/or Level II fieldwork placements, the student should give the contact information to the AAFWC or
the AFWC. This includes name and type of facility, address, phone, and email of the student coordinator.
The AFWC will contact the facility to discuss the compatibility of the program and the willingness of the
facility to enter into a contract with the TSU OT Department. The process of obtaining a contract can be
a lengthy process, often taking several months. Under no circumstances should any student commit to
or request fieldwork placement at a facility until a signed contract is in place and availability for student
placement has been established by the AAFWC or the AFWC.
Extenuating Circumstances Policy
If a student hardship exists, the student must notify the AFWC as soon as possible before the placement
or after placement in case of an emergency. For accepted hardships, all efforts will be made to
accommodate the hardship and place the student accordingly. Examples of hardships include serious
illness, death, automobile accident, urgent care visit, and other unpredictable circumstances. Evidence
of the hardship (documentation) will be requested and must be provided to the AFWC and the
Department Head.
Students assume the responsibility for the decision to disclose any disabilities or pregnancy. If a student
discloses to a fieldwork educator, the FWE must contact the AFWC, who will provide guidelines in
alignment with relevant policies and laws for accommodations.
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Missed Days during Fieldwork Experiences
There are no numbers of allowed absences during Level I & II fieldwork. Students must contact the
AFWC if they have missed any days at the fieldwork site during Level I or Level II experiences. Additional
time at the facility may be required to meet requirements for Level II internships. Approved make up
time can be coordinated with the fieldwork educator.
Fieldwork Notebook
Due to requirements of most fieldwork sites, students must have and obtain current medical and health
documentation records to include:
1. Criminal background check. TSU OT program requires a one-time check while a student
is in the MOT program. The preferred university vendor is Verified Credentials, but other
vendors can be provided to the student as a courtesy. Some facilities may require
additional background checks or fingerprinting which remain property of that facility
2. TB skin test or chest x-ray if tested positive previously
3. MMR vaccination
4. Tetanus vaccination
5. Hepatitis B vaccination or informal refusal form signed
6. CPR certification
7. Varicella titer (blood test to provide evidence of having had chicken pox)
8. Influenza vaccine (during flu season, if required by the facility)
9. Drug screen (if requested by the site)
10. Proof of liability insurance. TSU provides a blanket policy that covers students while they
are in the OT Program, which students pay into yearly. At a determined time while the
student is completing Level II, the student must obtain their own professional liability
insurance that they will maintain as a professional
11. Proof of health insurance
12. HIPAA and Blood Borne Pathogen Training (provided)
Students are responsible for all costs associated with these records and for maintaining their records
and providing this information to the fieldwork site if requested. Various fieldwork sites require
additional medical documentation, orientation, and deadlines for receiving the documentation. If a
student is assigned to one of these facilities, the student is required to complete it in a timely manner.
Students cannot begin fieldwork without this documentation, which may result in a delay of
placement or postponement of graduation.
Fieldwork Clinical Affiliation Agreement
During fieldwork experiences, the student must comply with the terms and conditions of the Clinical
Affiliation Agreement (contract) or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TSU and the
facility, the “Code of Student Conduct” as stated in the Tiger, the TSU Student Handbook, the TSU
Fieldwork Manual, and the Code of Ethics (AOTA, 2015).
Contracts and “MOU’s delineate the responsibilities of both the academic institution and the fieldwork
educator’s employer regarding the education of the student. They may include student prerequisites…
and the duties of each party for supervising and teaching the student. The MOU also contains the
liability and indemnity of both parties should there be an incident that requires legal action” (Costa,
2015, p.406).
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Student Performance Issues and Remediation
Fieldwork programs are voluntary and students are guests at the facility. Any student who is
experiencing problems during the L.I or L.II fieldwork experience shall first notify their fieldwork
educator/clinical supervisor. In situations where the FWE is not able to resolve the difficulty, the student
shall contact the AFWC. The AFWC can assist with advice and solutions. In instances where the student’s
performance, judgment, and/or attitude is inappropriate or does not meet expectations, the FWE shall
inform the individual and the AFWC. The AFWC will confer with the FWE and the student. For L.II
fieldwork, it may be necessary to develop and implement a remediation plan. The FWE will assess the
student’s progress with the plan. If necessary, the AFWC will make a conference call or site visit to
mediate and facilitate the process. Students are required to participate in the resolution process and
cannot quit a placement without just cause. This will result in a Fail for the course.
Dismissal from the Facility
If the fieldwork educator or supervisory staff deems that the student therapist’s performance threatens
the care and safety of the patients, or there are significant issues with professional behaviors or ethics,
the supervisor will immediately call the AFWC. It may be determined, between the facility and the
university that the fieldwork experience be terminated. If the student therapist is asked to leave the
facility, he/she will receive a failing grade for the fieldwork experience course. The therapist-in-training
shall be required to receive faculty advisement and demonstrate the capability of performing the
essential functions of a student occupational therapist as required in Level II Fieldwork experiences
before being scheduled for another fieldwork experience. This generally requires remediation, and the
student will be asked to complete a learning contract for remediation.
Repeating a Level II Internship course
A level II Internship course (if failed) may be repeated one time only, and the second internship grade
will replace the first. A student may repeat a maximum of one Level II Internship course during the
program. A student who is unable to demonstrate such capability will be dismissed from the program
and will not be eligible for re-admittance. The student may refer to the appeal process in the graduate
catalog. By the end of each 12 weeks of the fieldwork experience, the student is expected to
demonstrate entry-level competence in the setting to which he/she was assigned. MOT students are not
allowed to withdraw once they start the affiliation unless they have extenuating circumstances outside
of the academic realm.
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Tennessee State University
Fieldwork Level I
Purpose
Fieldwork is an essential part of the educational program for occupational therapy students. The time
and effort spent during these experiences are crucial to the preparation of an occupational therapist.
The goals of Level I fieldwork experiences according to ACOTE standards are “to introduce students to
the fieldwork experience, to apply knowledge to practice, and to develop understanding of the needs of
clients” (AOTA, 2012, p.S61). The intent is not to develop independent performance, but to include
experiences that are “designed to enrich didactic coursework through directed observation and
participate in selected aspects of the occupational therapy process” (AOTA, 2009, p.821).
Settings
Fieldwork placements include opportunities for students to observe and participate with clients across
the lifespan. Settings may be at traditional or non-traditional, emerging practice locations, including
hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, long-term facilities, early intervention programs, day care
centers (pediatric and/or adult), community centers, home health, senior citizen centers, homeless
shelters, hospices, work centers, etc.
Timeframe
Students are scheduled for Level I fieldwork placements that coincide with the pediatric and physical
disabilities I and II lecture, lab, and practicum courses throughout the first and second year. Student’s go
to at least one, but potentially several settings, for each Level I experience, and typically spend between
16-40 hours in a semester. Fieldwork hours are designated either by a week-long experience during a
semester in which students are released from their other courses, or by hours spread out through the
semester. Students may be required to use Friday for fieldwork experiences, when there are no
classes held on campus.
Students will prepare for their fieldwork assignments and complete required paperwork during the
Fieldwork Seminar Course OCCT 5000 prior to the beginning of their field experiences. Records must be
kept current and maintained by the student throughout the program in their fieldwork notebook.
Objectives
The faculty person who is instructing the practicum course associated with fieldwork will determine
specific objectives and assignments. Students must demonstrate consistent professional behaviors and
safety awareness and judgment, and engage in self-reflection. Fieldwork educators collaborate on
objectives and activities to facilitate directed observation and participation in the OT process at their
discretion and with available resources. This may include observing team members, data gathering
through observation, chart reviews, and/or interviews to formulate case studies, practice with
documentation, practice with equipment, assisting with evaluation or intervention activities
(identification of activities or how to grade activities, set up and clean up, handling practice as
appropriate), or creating projects or presentations at facilities.
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Supervision
Supervision in Level I fieldwork is provided by qualified professionals that may include but is not limited
to, “currently licensed or otherwise regulated occupational therapists and occupational therapy
assistants, psychologists, physician assistants, teachers, social workers, nurses, and physical therapists”
(AOTA, 2012; C. 1.9). It is the responsibility of the student to inform the AFWC if there are concerns
about the supervision that is or is not being provided. TSU faculty may assist with supervision.
Grading for Level I Fieldwork Experiences
Grades are issued using an A-F scale, and are calculated based on a combination of practicum
assignments and Level I assignments and evaluations. The faculty teaching the course is responsible for
assigning the final grade for Level I fieldwork experiences. The fieldwork educator or supervisor at a
facility will grade the student using a specified evaluation form. Students must also complete an
evaluation of the fieldwork site/experience.
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Tennessee State University
Occupational Therapy Department
Fieldwork Level II
Purpose
The goal of Level II fieldwork experiences is to “promote clinical reasoning and reflective practice, to
transmit the values and beliefs that enable ethical practice, and to develop professionalism and
competence in career responsibilities” (ACOTE, 2012, C.1.11.). Level II also provides the opportunity to
apply “evidence-based purposeful and meaningful occupations, administration, and management of
occupational therapy services” (AOTA, 2012, S75).
Timeframe
OCCT 6904 Internship I (6 credits)
OCCT 6914 Internship II (6 credits)
Internships I and II, also known as Level II fieldwork, are entered into after the completion of all didactic
academic coursework. Level II fieldwork experiences are completed during the summer (semester six)
and fall (semester seven) of the graduate program. Level II requires a minimum of 24 weeks of full time
supervised fieldwork (C.1.12.). This is typically done on two rotations that are 12 weeks each, which is
determined to be the time needed for a student to demonstrate entry-level competence in that setting.
Students are required to work the full time schedule of their fieldwork educator. Time may be allotted at
the end of an internship to allow a student to make up for any absences or to demonstrate competent
performance. Extenuating circumstances must be approved by the OT Department and must comply
with current AOTA and ACOTE standards.
Level II fieldwork experiences must be completed no later than 24 months following the completion
of academic coursework to ensure graduation.
Settings
In order to receive the proper range of experiences, the student will be scheduled for fieldwork in two
different types of settings. Level II fieldwork can be completed in traditional and/or emerging settings.
Students can complete Level II fieldwork in a minimum of one setting if it is reflective of more than one
practice area, or in a maximum of four different settings (ACOTE, 2012, C.1.12.). Examples of settings are
school-based, home health, long- term care, freestanding outpatient, residential, psychiatric,
community-based, medical-based, and industry. The AAFWC and AFWC will work closely with settings to
determine when they can accept students for fieldwork. “In all settings, psychosocial factors influencing
engagement in occupation must be understood and integrated for the development of client-centered,
meaningful, occupation-based outcomes” (ACOTE, 2012, C.1.12.).
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Students are responsible for their travel, room and board, and any other expenses while they are
participating in fieldwork experiences. This includes making accommodations for one’s pet and is not
a reasonable excuse to request an alternate fieldwork placement. Refer to Placement Process for
procedures to assign students to Level II experiences.
Supervision
Level II fieldwork experiences are supervised at approved facilities by a “currently licensed or otherwise
regulated occupational therapist who has a minimum of 1 year full-time (or its equivalent) of practice
experience subsequent to initial certification and who is adequately prepared to serve as a fieldwork
educator” (ACOTE, 2012, C.1.14.). For sites out of the U.S., supervisors must have graduated from a
program approved by the WFOT and who has one year of experience in practice (C.1.19).
Through the supervision of an occupational therapist, Fieldwork II also provides the student an
opportunity to observe professional role models (AOTA, 2012). All clinical fieldwork educators are
required to guide the student to meet the general education goals and objectives of the TSU
Department of Occupational Therapy and to promote the outcomes measured by the AOTA Fieldwork
Performance Evaluation Form [FWPE] (Atler, 2003)(ACOTE, 2012). Supervision serves to protect
consumers and is initially direct, but may decrease according to the setting specifics and the student’s
abilities determined by the fieldwork clinical educator (ACOTE, 2012, C.1.16.). Multiple models exist for
supervision such as 1:1 student to FWE, 2:1 FWEs to student or students to FWE. Students have the
opportunity to provide feedback on the effectiveness of supervision through the Student Evaluation of
Fieldwork Experience (SEFWE) that is completed at the end of an internship.
Designate Supervisor
For Level II settings in emerging practice where there are no existing occupational therapy services, an
occupational therapy faculty member or an occupational therapy practitioner who has minimum of
three years of professional experience will have to provide a minimum of 8 hours of direct supervision
for students. Supervision includes but is not limited to meeting with the student, reviewing the students’
documentation, observation of work interactions, role modeling, consultation, and communication
regarding the student’s learning experience. The supervisor of the student may work with the student in
a group format, but the students’ individual needs should be addressed accordingly. An occupational
therapy supervisor must be available during the working hours of the day. The student must have a
variety of ways to contact the supervisor if and when necessary. In addition, an on-site designated
supervisor of another profession, with a minimum of three years of professional experience, must be
assigned to the student while the occupational therapy practitioner is off-site. A record of
documentation for service provision, which coordinates with state regulations, and the educational
goals of the occupational therapy program should be provided. With the assistance of the Department
Chair, and /or the AFWC, students will be given a checklist and instructed to keep up with the fieldwork
progress, meetings, clinical hours, absences, as they become eligible to graduate and to sit for the
certification exam. (ACOTE C.1.17.)
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Communication between Fieldwork Team (refer to Fieldwork Education Team ResponsibilitiesAttachment I
The AFWC and AAFWC maintain collaborative relationships with the fieldwork educators and students
through written and electronic communication, phone contacts, and/or site visits during the period of
student affiliation. The AFWC also provides suggestions for student learning experiences as needed.
Placements are finalized with a letter to the FWE and student that includes Level II objectives, syllabus
with assignments, and communication log of supervision.
Students will meet with the AFWC prior to Level II experiences to review their Fieldwork Notebook,
Professional Portfolio, and required items. Students will have the opportunity to review the SEFWE of
the same or similar settings to where they are placed for Level II fieldwork. Students will receive the
FWPE form to provide to the FWE (unless electronic methods have been implemented) which will be
completed by the FWE at midterm and final and sent to the AFWC.
Level II Expectations and Objectives
Students develop entry-level competencies as defined by the particular site’s expectations by the end of
the fieldwork. Students typically assume a full client caseload, determined by the site, by the end of the
experience. Students are responsible for active participation in the supervisory experience, which
includes participation in ongoing communication, formal assessments, self-assessment and reflection,
and the assumption of independent learning.
Consistent with AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation For the Occupational Therapy Student (FWPE)
I. Fundamentals of Practice **Items in this area must have a rating of 3, meets standards, at the end
of the internship to pass
The student will:
A. Ethics: Adheres consistently to the AOTA Code of Ethics (2015) and site’s policies and procedures
B. Safety: Adheres consistently to safety regulations. Anticipates potentially hazardous situation and
takes steps to prevent accidents
C. Safety: Uses sound judgment in regard to safety of self and others during all fieldwork-related
activities
II. Basic Tenets of Occupational Therapy
The student will:
A. OT Philosophy: Clearly and confidently communicates the values and beliefs of the profession,
highlighting the use of occupations to clients, families, significant others, colleagues, providers of
service, and the public/potential consumers
B. OT/OTA Role: Communicates the roles of the occupational therapist (OT) and the occupational
therapy assistant (OTA) to clients, families, significant others, and providers of service
C. Collaboration: Collaborates with client, family, and significant others throughout the OT process
III. Evaluation and Screening
The student will:
A. Plans for evaluation: Articulates a clear and logical rationale for the evaluation process
B. Gathers Data: Under the supervision of and in cooperation with the OT or OTA, accurate gathers
relevant information regarding a client’s occupations of self-care, productivity, leisure, and the
factors that support and hinder occupational performance (occupational profile)
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C. Administers Assessments: Selects relevant screening and assessment methods, administers
assessments in a uniform manner to ensure finding s are valid and reliable, and adjusts/modifies
assessment procedures based on client’s needs, behaviors, and culture
D. Interprets: Assists with interpreting assessments in relation to the client’s performance, strengths
and challenges
E. Reports: Reports results accurately in an objective, clear, concise manner that reflects the client’s
status and goals
F. Establish Plan and Goals: Develops client-centered and occupation-based goals that reflect client
priorities, contexts, theories, and evidence-based practice
IV. Intervention
The student will:
A. Plans Intervention: Articulates a clear and logical rational for the intervention process and plans to
establish methods, duration, and frequency of intervention reflective of client and context of the
setting
B. Selects Intervention: Selects and sequences relevant interventions that promote the clients’ ability
to engage in occupations; Utilizes evidence from published research and relevant resources to make
informed intervention decisions.
C. Implements Intervention: Implements client-centered, occupation-based interventions effectively in
collaboration with clients, families, significant others and service providers;
D. Activity Analysis: Grades activities and modifies task approach, occupations, and the environment
E. Therapeutic Use of Self: Effectivity interacts to facilitate accomplishment of established goals that
motivate and challenge the client
F. Modifies Intervention Plan: Monitors client’s status to update, modify, or terminate the intervention
plan in collaboration with the occupational therapist and team; Documents client’s response that
demonstrates the efficacy of the selected interventions
V. Management of Occupational Therapy Services
The student will:
A. Demonstrate through practice or discussion the ability to assign appropriate responsibilities to the
Occupational Therapy assistant (OTA) and an occupational therapy aide
B. Demonstrate through practice or discussion the ability to actively collaborate with the OTA
C. Demonstrate the ability to understand costs and funding related to occupational therapy services at
this site
D. Accomplish organizational goals by establishing priorities, developing strategies, and meeting
deadlines
E. Demonstrate the ability to produce the volume of work required in the expected time frame
VI. Communication
The student will:
A. Verbal/Nonverbal Communication: Clearly and effectively adjusts both verbal and nonverbal
communication to effectively interact with clients, families, significant others, colleagues, providers
of service, and the public/potential consumers
B. Written communication: Produce clear and accurate documentation according to site requirements.
All written communication is legible with proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar
C. Use language appropriate to the recipient of the information, including but not limited to funding
agencies and regulatory agencies
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VII. Professional Behavior
The student will:
A. Self-Responsibility: Takes responsibility for attaining professional competence by seeking out
learning opportunities and interactions with supervisor(s) and others; Demonstrates willingness to
learn
B. Responds to Feedback: Responds in a constructive manner to feedback without defensiveness or
excessive justification
C. Work Behaviors: Demonstrates consistent punctuality, initiative, preparedness, dependability,
flexibility with changes, and work site maintenance
D. Time Management: Demonstrate effective time management
E. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills including but not limited to
cooperation, flexibility, tact, and empathy
F. Cultural Competency: Demonstrate respect for diversity factors of others including but not limited
to socio-cultural, socioeconomic, spiritual, and lifestyle choices
G. Maintain confidentiality with respect to HIPAA or FERPA standards
H. Self-awareness: Demonstrates awareness and control of own feelings; Uses positive stress
management techniques
I. Abides by facility dress code and maintains appropriate dress, grooming, and appearance
Grading for Level II Fieldwork Experiences
The fieldwork educator will complete the FWPE at midterm and at the end of the fieldwork. The FWE
will review the FWPE with the student and both parties must sign the document. The student will be
required to complete the Student Evaluation of the Fieldwork Experience [SEFWE] (AOTA, 2006) at the
end of the internship (survey format). Both documents must be returned to the AFWC who assigns final
grades for the internships. Grades are issued as “P” = Pass or “F” = Fail. The grade will be partially based
on the point value earned from the FWPE. Midterm grade P = at least 90 points and Final grade P = 122
points. The TSU OT Department makes the final determination of a student passing or failing an
internship.
Other assignments assigned by the Department of Occupational Therapy must be completed by the
deadline before the student will receive a Pass or Fail. Students who do not complete all of the
assignments will receive and incomplete “I.” Students are given details regarding the assignments prior
to fieldwork in the Syllabus for OCCT 6904 and OCCT 6914.
Recommended Content for a Facility Student Fieldwork Manual (Costa, 2015)
1. Orientation outline (could include organizational chart, history of site, department information,
policy and procedures, mission statement, essential job functions, dress code)
2. Assignments
3. Safety procedures and codes
4. Behavioral objectives
5. Week-by-week schedule of responsibilities (including weekly scheduled meetings)
6. Patient confidentiality information (patient rights)
7. Guidelines for documentation (completed samples of all forms, acceptable medical
abbreviations, discharge plan, billing)
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References
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. (2012). 2011 Accreditation Council for
Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards. American Journal of Occupational Therapy,
66, S6-S74.
American Occupational Therapy Association. (in press). Occupational therapy code of ethics (2015).
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(Suppl.3).
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2009). Occupational therapy fieldwork education: Value
and purpose. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63, p. 821-822.
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2006). Student evaluation of fieldwork experience.
Bethesda, MD: AOTA Task Force.
Atler, K. (2003). Using the fieldwork performance evaluation forms. The complete guide. Bethesda, MD:
AOTA Press.
Costa, D.M. (2015). The essential guide to occupational therapy fieldwork education: Resources for
educators and practitioners, 2nd ed. Bethesda, MD: AOTA Press.
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ATTACHMENT 1
FIELDWORK EDUCATION TEAM – RESPONSIBILITIES
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AFWC) Faculty member in the OT Department who is responsible
for developing and coordinating the clinical education portion of the fieldwork curriculum
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Ensure compliance with current ACOTE standards for fieldwork education and fieldwork
experiential components
Delegate appropriate responsibilities and supervise the Assistant Academic Fieldwork
Coordinator
Instruct in the didactic components of Level I fieldwork (Fieldwork Seminar & Practicums)
Coordinate with faculty regarding needs of students, course objectives, fieldwork sites which
will provide experiences to fulfill course requirements and promote program educational goals
Maintain and update Student Fieldwork Manual
Maintain communication log with students and contact student and site at least one time
during each placement via site visit, email, or phone call
Collaborate with AAFWC to place students in Level I and II fieldwork sites
Assure that all student fieldwork course and fieldwork experience assignments for Level I & II
have been received and evaluated, and students have been given a grade (academic grade for
Level I and Pass/Fail/Incomplete grade for Level II)
Approve student fieldwork notebook information prior to fieldwork placements
Meet with the student to discuss student’s experiences and review written assignments
Assure that there are an adequate number of fieldwork sites with current contracts in
collaboration with AAFWC
Establish and maintain communication with fieldwork educator/ clinical instructor regarding
educational program goals and objectives
Assist with the remediation of any problem with student performance and/or conflicts and set
up remediation learning contracts
Provide resources to clinical instructors as needed
Participate in department, college, and University committees
Participate in student advising
Develop new fieldwork sites and follow up on new site contacts provided by students
Obtain and review the student evaluation of the facility and follow up with each CI if there are
problems or discrepancies
Maintain current board registration and state licensure
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FIELDWORK EDUCATION TEAM – RESPONSIBILITIES
Assistant Academic Fieldwork Coordinator (AAFWC) Staff member in the OT Department who is
responsible for assisting the AFWC to coordinate the fieldwork experiential component
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Coordinate and manage clinical affiliation contracts and MOU’s, ensuring that contracts are in
effect at the time the student is completing Level I and II fieldwork experiences
Follow up on new site contract requests
Adhere to ACOTE standards and update related materials
Maintain/update fieldwork site database electronically
Determine the availability for clinical placements
Reserve student fieldwork placements
Oversee additional paperwork requirements required by the facility
Manage Student and clinical site correspondence – notification of student assignment, sending
materials (syllabus or objectives, evaluation forms)
Provide a continuing education certificate to all supervising FE’s (via survey)
Meet with incoming class to introduce self and explain the role and responsibilities for
fieldwork collaboration
Clinical Coordinator of Education (CCE) Employee of the clinical facility who is responsible for
coordinating between the student and the fieldwork educator
 Assigns or confirms placement with the FWE
 Contacts student with site requirements for orientation or additional medical information
 Assures current contract is in place with OT program
Fieldwork educator (FWE) Title may include the following: clinical instructor, clinical fieldwork
educator, clinical fieldwork supervisor, student supervisor. Employee of the clinical facility who is
responsible for student training at the fieldwork site in accordance with current AOTA and ACOTE
standards, program’s educational goals, and policies and procedures of the facility.
 Collaborate with the AFWC to ensure the fieldwork program enables students to apply
classroom concepts
 Provide updated information about the center, including the philosophies upon which client
evaluation and treatment are based
 Provide opportunities for student observation as well as “hands on” experiences
 Assign patients/clients appropriate to the student’s level of education and experience
 Facilitate student’s completion of fieldwork assignments
 Coach the student to optimize his/her performance
 Share concerns about student performance with the AFWC and assist to collaborate on
learning objectives and clear expectations
 Provides constructive feedback and evaluates the student’s professional and clinical skills
 Participate in ongoing continuing education for fieldwork education
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FIELDWORK EDUCATION TEAM – RESPONSIBILITIES
Student, Therapist in Training, OTS Student from TSU’s occupational therapy program who is
responsible for developing competency as an entry level occupational therapist
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Collaborate with the AFWC, AAFWC, and FWE educator to meet the requirements of the
fieldwork experience
Comply with the rules, policies, and regulations of the sites
Obtain and maintain required immunizations, health status documentation, professional
liability insurance, health insurance, CPR certification, background checks, and/or drug screens
prior to start of fieldwork
Contact the fieldwork educator prior to starting fieldwork to find out about dress code, parking
arrangements, required materials, or other needs for the fieldwork experience
Arrange own transportation to and from facilities
Conduct him/herself in a professional and courteous manner as a guest in the facility
Demonstrate professional and ethical standards
Provide personal information as required by the facility
Communicate with the FWE and AFWC about tardiness, absenteeism, any concerns, etc.
Complete homework assignments on time from the educational program and the
facility/fieldwork site
Recognize own strengths and weaknesses and make an effort to improve weak areas
Accept supervision and constructive criticism and maintain flexibility when plans change
Seek additional experiences and resource materials after completing assignments
Solicit help when a particular task is outside level of knowledge or skill
Participate in a variety of professional development or continuing education experiences, and
provide evidence of such experiences
Communicate consistently with the FWE and provide evidence of such
meetings/communication on the communication logs provided by the Department
Complete accurate evaluations of self, the facility, and the fieldwork experience. Documents to
be submitted to appropriate parties
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